by Ray Fauteux

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: July 30, 2009

It would take several weeks to visit all the amazing attractions New York City has to offer, but most likely your time is far more limited. If you have at least seven days, you should be able to at least squeeze in quite a few of the more famous and most visited New York City attractions.

It's pretty hard to visit New York City without stopping by the Empire State Building, so why not make it your first stop? There's a reason why it's on top of everyone's list and don't feel you are just being a typical tourist. The view of the city from the observation floor is simply spectacular and should not be missed. While you are up there it would be fun to think of all the famous movies that included the Empire State Building in the background. King Kong is the first one to come to mind.

The best view of the Statue of Liberty is from the river, so with a bit of planning you can enjoy two famous New York attractions at the same time. Take a cruise on the free Staten Island Ferry and enjoy a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Skyline from the middle of the Hudson River.

Of course no visit to New York is complete without spending a day in Central Park. It's not just the park itself you will enjoy, but also the world famous Central Park Zoo and the New York Museum can all be included in the same visit. The New York Museum is also free, but donations are suggested and appreciated. The museum will give you a glimpse into the past of New York when people from all over the world sailed up the Hudson, and past the Statue of Liberty to begin a new life.

If possible, try and spend at least one day visiting Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Sak's. Even if the prices are far more than you would ever pay at a few of these famous shopping destinations, it's well worth taking the time to do some incredible window shopping. If it happens to be year-end, you may even find some pretty good deals. At the very least, be sure to pick up some reasonably priced souvenirs that are ideal as reminders of your visit to The Big Apple.

Sooner or later, you are going to be pretty hungry. Don't forget that New York City is home of the famous pizza pies, and although you can find the most amazing pizza you have ever tasted at several different locations, be sure to hunt down one of the four "Ray's Pizza" franchises. If the local New Yorker's swear by Ray's, then you just know it has to be worth trying.

Learn more about this author, Ray Fauteux.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.